CWS stadium plaza named in honor of NCAA official

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha is honoring the retired NCAA administrator who helped forge a long-term agreement to keep the College World Series in the city.

Mayor Jean Stothert and four former mayors attended a ceremony Friday to dedicate Dennis Poppe Plaza on the southwest side of TD Ameritrade Park.

Poppe retired as vice president of championships and alliances in January after 39 years at the NCAA. He ran the College World Series from 1987 to 2013, with the tournament growing into a major national event.

Poppe, who lives in Indianapolis, called Omaha his family's "second home." He said it's humbling to have the plaza named for him.

The 66-year-old Poppe is credited with helping secure a contract that keeps the CWS in the city through 2035.

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